Our journey to Ecuador is a Restorative Journey to Ecuador. Charito is a member of the Ecuadorean Peace and Justice Team, a Reiki practitioner, an expert in indigenous healing techniques, a peacemaker and teacher. Additionally, she was born in Quito and knows the history and legends of Ecuador, which she has freely been sharing with all of us. Our goal is to enjoy Ecuador, learn a lot, and return home restored, relaxed, refreshed, and more in tune with the world around us.
That has been happening in many ways, as we discover the people, places, and history of this area, The vibrant city of Quito is really one of many worlds, the indigenous people, the European influences, the historic city and the new city that has built up around all blend in a colorful creative collage. Part of Quito's recent evolution has been the restoration of a once deteriorating, unsafe neighborhood into a thriving downtown night spot, where thousands gather, small stores and restaurants thrive, and the ancient culture meets a present culture in ways that both are preserved and enjoyed. This happened by the government giving micro-loans to hundreds of person who submitted a viable business plan for their economic endeavor.
Photos are posted below of last's night in downtown Ecuador. First we visited the monument to the Winged Virgin of Quito, who stands high over the city as a beacon of welcome and protection to all.'Photo of Martha and Charito about to climb to the top of the statue.
Then we went for a light dinner before a trip to the downtown area and the Folklorico Dancers.
Pictures of Martha and Mary Lu at the restaurant are below along with one of a camera, especially for Artemas to see. Sorry, Artemas, it wasn't for sale and wouldn't fit in my suitcase, so I couldn't bring it home for you.
The downtown area, was alive and thriving, and filed with unique sights and sounds. The Folkloric Dancers were fabulous and had us ALL up and dancing with them. Their dances told human sagas, one of the sorrows of a mother whose baby had died and whose alcoholic husband is incapable of connecting with her and the memory of her baby, whose spirit stills lives and to whom the mother sings. Another of the trials and tribulations of women bearing the full responsibility for raising the children whose fathers are also alcoholics. However, in spite if this, the women survive and find joy in dance and song and their companionship.
The dancers also have a very strong political voice and along with sharing songs and dances of the human condition, they urge the making of a better world. The final single banner dance called on us all to work together to uproot corruption and work for justice. Perhaps a message for the world. .
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